Overview

Overview

Embark on the ultimate 14-day escorted journey on this Insight Luxury Gold tour, beginning in Vancouver and travelling through British Columbia and up to Jasper and Banff National Parks in the Canadian Rockies

Take in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains as you travel in luxurious comfort by road, rail and sea to the most dazzling national parks, glaciers and historic villages of Western Canada and Alaska. Savour delicious local cuisine in trendy Vancouver and meet passionate Local Experts, as you discover Mother Nature’s bounties from the Rockies to the waters of Alaska.

"We had an absolutely, amazing, awesome time!"

We had an absolutely, amazing, awesome time! It met all our expectations and more, believe it or not we did not have one hiccup. Many, many thanks for assisting us on this holiday it was magical.

Mrs Boulton

Itinerary (13 Nights)

Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.

Day
1

On arrival at Vancouver International Airport, transfer to your luxury downtown hotel in the heart of the city’s premier shopping and entertainment district. At 6.00pm that evening you will join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal.

Day
2

This morning after breakfast, you will enjoy an exclusive sightseeing tour. Explore historic Gastown, Chinatown, English Bay and view the famous totem poles in Stanley Park. After your tour, you will board your ferry across to Vancouver Island, travelling in the exclusive Seawest Lounge; relax and enjoy scenic coastal views all the way to Victoria. On arrival, an orientation tour introduces you to the Inner Harbour, the ornate Parliament Buildings and Bastion Square.

Day
3

Today you will start the day with breakfast at Butchart Gardens. After a brief introduction by a representative, there will be plenty of time to explore the 55 acres of exquisite floral displays, meandering paths and spectacular views which have delighted visitors for over one hundred years. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Victoria’s other attractions.

Day
4

Journey across the Strait of Georgia back to the mainland and continue along the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway. En route to Whistler, stop to view roaring Shannon Falls. If you’ve enjoyed this years’ Winter Olympics, why not learn more in Whistler, the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics? Explore Whistler and learn about its ascendancy onto the world stage. Dine at the AAA rated four-diamond restaurant SIDECUT for a Highlight Dinner of featuring a modern take on traditional steakhouse fare.

Day
5

In the morning, a First Nations Ambassador welcomes you at the award-winning Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, showcasing the native peoples’ art, history and culture. Once here, you’ll learn about traditional teas important to the region, before taking part in a one-of-a-kind holistic tea workshop, creating your own tea blend from the forest and local flora. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.

Day
6

Travel into the lush Okanagan Valley region. Known for producing some of the best wines in the world, this fertile land holds the majority of vineyard acreage in the province and is home to both boutique vineyards and larger distinguished operations. Savour a delicious Dinner with wine at your luxury hotel, prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the valley.

Day
7

Journey through four of Canada’s most breath-taking National Parks – Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho and Banff – with informative talks on the distinguishing highlights of each park. En route, stop at Emerald Lake, one of Canada’s most outstanding wilderness settings. Famed for its vibrant colour, this iconic beauty spot offers an idyllic photo opportunity. In the afternoon, enjoy an engaging nature talk at Lake Louise before strolling along the lake, before continuing to the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for your stay. For your evening meal, choose from one of the resort’s four unique dining venues, including contemporary Canadian cuisine at the Fairview or Italian dishes at Lago Italian Kitchen.

Day
8

This morning, visit Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Explore Banff Your Way and choose to ride the Banff Gondola or visit Whyte Museum. Later, join a private meet-and-greet with a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. Hear fascinating tales of what it’s like to wear the famous red serge uniform, before having the opportunity to ask questions and have your picture taken with the Mountie. For dinner, choose from a selection of restaurants at your hotel, with each taking pride in sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers, purveyors and artisans. Get some royal shut eye at The Fairmont Banff Springs, otherwise known as Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’.

Day
10

Travel along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and witness amazing scenery. At the Icefields Visitor Center, embark on a specially designed Ice Explorer for a remarkable excursion onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. With your expert driver-guide, step out onto the frosty flow, formed centuries ago. In the evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine at the hotel before joining your friends for stargazing, complete with a roaring fire, liqueur and s’mores on the hotel’s magnificent grounds.

Day
11

In the morning, embark on a narrated cruise on the serene waters of iconic Maligne Lake (seasonal). Stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites of the Canadian Rockies, before joining your Travelling Concierge for an informative walk at Maligne Canyon. Gain a unique perspective of the beautiful park as you join a Local Expert on an afternoon scenic float trip (waiver required) down the Athabasca River.

Day
12

If you choose, board the optional Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service to relive the golden age of rail travel on your way to Vancouver with an overnight stay in Kamloops. Alternatively, journey west by luxury coach and arrive at Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ tallest peak, before descending through the Columbia Mountains, arriving in Sun Peaks.

Day
13

History meets the great outdoors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, as you cross the bridge for spectacular views from the top of the canyon. The rest of the day yours to explore Vancouver. A haven for sports enthusiasts and keen history buffs alike, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.

Day
14

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers. Your included transfer to Vancouver International Airport arrives at 15:00. Guests extending their stay may do so at the luxurious Four Seasons in Vancouver.